“By a system that makes forty-five educated women eager to give their life’s work for 12 pounds a-year, and fifty applying for the magnificent salary of 30 pounds for a most exhausting and responsible situation.  These are not all exceptional women, Mr. Rennie, but many of the average women whose happiness you are so careful of.  You know there are enormous numbers of single women and widows in this country who must be supported, either by their own earnings or by those of the other sex, for they must live, you know.”

Mr. Rennie smiled at Jane’s earnestness.

“You smile, ’on NE Voit Pas La NECESSITE’,” said Jane.  “I dare say it would really be better for us to die.”

“I am sure nothing was further from my lips than either the language or the sentiment.  I think your case especially hard—­especially hard.”

“I thought it was, till I heard of these numerous applications; and the sad thing to me is, that it is not especially hard.  Some innovation must be made:  have you and your directors not the courage to begin?  I am willing to endure all the ridicule that may be cast on myself.”

“There are other departments of business where your unquestionable abilities and skill might be employed and well paid for; but here, I must repeat, it is impossible—­impossible—­perfectly impossible.  Mr. Hogarth is going to favour us with his company this evening, and Mrs. Rennie and my daughter Eliza would be most happy to see you.  I would like to introduce my daughter to a young lady who knows business so well.  You will be good enough to pardon my necessary incivility:  most painful to me it has been to refuse your request, backed by such excellent reasons,—­but you will accompany Mr. Hogarth, and show you are not unforgiving.”

Jane accepted the invitation willingly.  Francis was not pressed for time; the bank had released him without the usual notice, so he offered to accompany his cousin wherever she chose to go to.

“Do you think,” said she, when they were again in the street, “that I could get employment with any bookseller or publisher?  I will try that next.  Will you go with me to a respectable house in that line of business?”

There was no situation vacant for any one in the first two establishments they called at.  In the third there was a reader wanted to correct manuscripts and proofs, and as Mr. Hogarth was supposed to be the person applying for the employment, he was asked his qualifications.  When he somewhat awkwardly put forward Miss Melville, the publisher respectfully but firmly declined to engage her.

“Whatever I could or could not do—­whatever salary I might ask—­you object on account of my being a woman?” said Jane.

“Just so,” said the publisher; “it is not the custom of the trade to employ ladies of the press.  You do not know the terms or the routine of the business.”